Jazmin Li
Fox News has been criticized for spreading false claims that airports allow migrants through security without identification, stoking fears of terrorism and promoting anti-immigrant conspiracy theories. In 2018, Tucker Carlson of Fox News also railed against airports playing CNN in their waiting areas, calling it propaganda posing as news. These incidents have sparked controversies and drawn attention to the content aired by Fox News and its potential impact on public perception and sentiment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports with the name "Fox" | Fox Airport in New Braunfels, Los Angeles International Airport (formerly managed by Francis T. Fox) |
| Fox News' criticism of airports | False claims about migrant travel and ID requirements, criticism of CNN's "airport monopoly" |
| Fox News' presence in airports | Shown in bars, criticized by Tucker Carlson |
| San Francisco International Airport's quiet policy | Launched in 2018, announcements only made at boarding gates |
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What You'll Learn
- Fox News' false claims about migrant ID requirements at airports
- Tucker Carlson's criticism of CNN being played at airports
- Mayra Flores' worries about migrants not being identified by airport security
- Fox contributor Nicole Parker's concerns about potential terrorist threats
- Fox News' fearmongering about Venezuela emptying its prisons into the US
Fox News' false claims about migrant ID requirements at airports
Fox News has been accused of spreading false claims about migrant ID requirements at airports. The conservative news outlet claimed that airports are allowing migrants through security without identification, stoking fears of terrorism and promoting anti-immigrant conspiracy theories. However, these allegations are misleading and baseless.
In January 2024, Fox News personalities and guests, including Mayra Flores (R-TX), seized on a social media post by right-wing podcaster Dave Rubin. Rubin claimed that a TSA trial of the CBP One app, used to verify migrant identification, meant that migrants did not need ID to pass through airport security. Flores suggested that this could lead to another 9/11-style attack, while Rubin claimed that migrants were not properly vetted and their intentions were unknown.
However, these claims are false and misleading. The CBP One app is used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cross-reference migrant photographs and biographic information with their database. Migrants are required to provide identifying information, such as an "alien identification number," and can also have their photo taken by the TSA. This process is an alternate form of ID verification, applied to all travelers, not just migrants.
Fox News has a history of baselessly accusing migrants and immigrants of being potential terrorists. In November 2023, following the Israel-Hamas conflict, Fox News alleged over 400 times that Middle Eastern terrorists were at the U.S. border. Anchor Julie Banderas suggested that allowing migrants to use CBP One as identification was a Democratic scheme to import new voters.
These false claims by Fox News contribute to a broader narrative of fearmongering and anti-immigrant sentiment. They distort the facts about ID requirements for migrants at airports, exploiting concerns about national security to promote their agenda. This episode underscores the need for responsible and accurate reporting on immigration issues, particularly in an era of heightened political polarization and misinformation.
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Tucker Carlson's criticism of CNN being played at airports
In 2018, Tucker Carlson investigated why CNN is always played at airports. Carlson, a former CNN host himself, criticised the decision to play CNN at airports, saying that it "may have made sense 20 years ago, when CNN had a centrist reputation". Carlson characterised the channel as being home to "wacky Russia conspiracy theories" and "strange spiritual advice from philosopher-poet Chris Cuomo". He also referred to airports as "a lesser version of hell with dirty seats, overpriced food and propaganda posing as news on CNN".
Carlson's comments sparked controversy, with some accusing him of spreading "flat-out racist" immigration rants on his Fox News show. However, others found that his invective could lead viewers to interesting insights. Carlson's criticism of CNN Airport, as the terminal service is called, is not entirely accurate. CNN Airport has been around since 1992 and differs from its broadcast parent. It features general news, weather, travel tips, stock market updates, and a heavy focus on sports, including full-length games and tournaments from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NCAA men's basketball.
To avoid the appearance of bias, CNN Airport does not show graphic, sexually explicit, or violent videos, nor does it show footage of air disasters. Carlson did not include this detail in his criticism and instead chose to play it off as a joke with his fellow co-host Sean Hannity, who declared, "You can't pay me to watch CNN". Carlson's comments reflect his well-known conservative punditry, which has earned him both criticism and popularity. Carlson has worked for various outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, and most notably, Fox News, where he hosted a prime-time show until his firing in April 2023.
Carlson has since shared that he was fired from Fox for expressing opinions that diverged from those of the network. Despite his departure from Fox, Carlson remains active in political commentary, relying on a small circle of well-informed journalists and individuals for his information rather than reading news content from outlets like The New York Times or The Washington Post. Carlson's interest in people and his desire to stay informed on issues he cares about continue to drive his engagement in political discourse.
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Mayra Flores' worries about migrants not being identified by airport security
Mayra Flores, the former U.S. Representative for Texas's 34th congressional district, has expressed concerns about migrants not being adequately identified by airport security. Flores, a Republican, is known for her hardline stance on immigration and border security. During a debate in October 2024, Flores attacked her opponent, Democrat Vicente Gonzalez, for his opposition to the Secure the Border Act, which she supported. This act would have required South Texas residents to present passports at an interior border patrol checkpoint.
In a Fox News appearance on January 18, 2024, Flores suggested that lax airport security measures regarding migrant identification could lead to another 9/11-style attack: "I'm always worried about another 9/11... This could happen again, especially now that they're not checking these people. We don't know who they are and what their intentions are." Flores's comments were in response to a misleading social media post by right-wing podcaster Dave Rubin, which claimed that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not require migrants to provide government-approved identification to pass through airport security.
However, these claims by Rubin and Fox News have been debunked as false. The TSA does require migrants to show physical ID or provide identifying information, such as an "alien identification number." Additionally, the CBP One app, used by the TSA, allows for cross-verification of migrant identities with photographs and information in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database. This process ensures that migrants' identities are confirmed before they proceed through security scanners.
Flores's comments reflect a broader trend within conservative circles to push for stricter identification requirements for immigrants and citizens alike. While some argue that this is necessary for national security and to curb illegal immigration, critics argue that it fuels anti-immigrant sentiment and promotes discriminatory policies. Flores herself has faced criticism for her stance on immigration, with opponents arguing that her policies would negatively impact migrants and South Texans, potentially requiring them to carry passports for identification.
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Fox contributor Nicole Parker's concerns about potential terrorist threats
Fox News has a history of baselessly accusing migrants and immigrants of being potential terrorists. In one instance, Fox News falsely claimed that airports were allowing migrants through security without identification, which was refuted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA requires migrants to provide physical ID or identifying information, such as an "alien identification number." Despite this, Fox News personalities and guests, including Mayra Flores (R-TX), used this misinformation to spread fear and promote anti-immigrant conspiracy theories. Flores claimed that the lack of identification checks on migrants could lead to another 9/11, echoing the sentiments of right-wing podcaster Dave Rubin.
Former NYPD investigator and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro contributed to the narrative by suggesting that the TSA policy would enable Venezuela to send its "prison" and "mental institution" populations to the U.S." Additionally, Fox anchor Julie Banderas suggested that allowing migrants to use the CBP One app for identification was a Democratic scheme to import new voters.
In another incident, Fox News made numerous claims alleging that a car crash in Niagara, New York, was an act of terrorism committed by Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians, or their supporters. In the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Fox News also stoked fears about Middle Eastern terrorists at the U.S. border on over 400 occasions within a four-week period. These instances demonstrate a pattern of Fox News perpetuating anti-immigrant sentiments and promoting unsubstantiated fears of migrant-related terrorist threats.
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Fox News' fearmongering about Venezuela emptying its prisons into the US
Fox News has been accused of fearmongering about Venezuela emptying its prisons into the US. This claim was made in the context of discussions around airport security and migrant identification.
In January 2024, right-wing podcaster Dave Rubin made a misleading social media post claiming that a TSA trial of an app called CBP One, used to verify migrant identification, meant that migrants did not need an ID to pass through airport security. Fox News personalities and guests seized on this to promote anti-immigrant conspiracy theories and fearmonger about national security threats.
Mayra Flores (R-TX) warned about the possibility of another 9/11 caused by unidentified migrants, while Fox contributor Paul Mauro implied that the TSA policy would allow Venezuela to empty its prisons and mental institutions into the US. These claims were false, as migrants are required by the TSA to show physical ID or provide identifying information, including an "alien identification number."
In September 2022, Fox News again raised alarms about Venezuela sending violent criminals to the US border, citing a report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This claim was also found to be misleading, as fact-checking by PolitiFact could not find any public reports or mentions of Venezuela releasing prisoners and sending them to the US. The CBP reported that in fiscal year 2022, officers encountered over 15,500 foreign nationals with criminal convictions or who were wanted by law enforcement at US borders. However, criminals encountered are not typically let into the country "absent extenuating circumstances."
The only source for the Venezuela claim appeared to be an article from Breitbart News, which relied on an anonymous source within Customs and Border Protection. Despite the lack of evidence, this story was amplified by Fox News and GOP lawmakers, including Congressman Troy Nehls, who tweeted about it and demanded transparency from the administration.
Fox News has a history of baselessly accusing migrants and immigrants of being potential terrorists and promoting conspiracy theories about Democratic schemes to import new voters.
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Frequently asked questions
Fox News has been accused of spreading misinformation and fear-mongering about migrants and airport security. As a result, some airports may choose to refrain from playing Fox News in their waiting areas to avoid potential controversy and to provide a neutral environment for travellers.
Fox News contributor Tucker Carlson has discussed the prevalence of CNN being played at airports, referring to it as "propaganda posing as news." However, he did not specifically address the absence of Fox News at airports.
Fox News personalities and guests, including Mayra Flores, Nicole Parker, and Kayleigh McEnany, claimed that airports are allowing migrants through security without identification, which they used to promote anti-immigrant sentiments and spread fear of potential terrorist threats. These claims were determined to be false, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does require migrants to provide identification or identifying information.
Media Matters for America, a media watchdog group, refuted Fox News' false claims and criticized the network for fearmongering and spreading anti-immigrant conspiracy theories. They highlighted the dangerous implications of such misinformation and the potential impact on public perception and policy.
